University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn

MSc in Process Engineering and Environmental Protection

Programme highlights

• Total workload: 90 ECTS over 18 months (February → June of the following year).
• Mobility scheme: study one semester in Poland, one in Germany; choose thesis location according to research interests.
• Outcome: two official MSc diplomas (UWM & HSO), plus advanced laboratory, engineering and intercultural competences tailored to bio‑based industries and environmental protection.

Class list

Semester 1 at University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland)

Compulsory Subjects

• English/Polish Language Support
• Writing Scientific Papers
• German Language
• English Terminology in Biotechnology
• Techniques of Genetic Engineering
• Environmental Statistics
• Toxicology
• Analytical Training
• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Monitoring of Aerobic Stabilization of Municipal Solid Waste
• Environmental Engineering Design
• Biotechnology in Environmental Protection
• Biological Wastewater Treatment

Semester 2 at University of Applied Sciences in Offenburg (Germany)

Biotechnical Processes*

• Dimensioning Biotechnical Processes
• Technical School Biotechnical Processes

Renewable Energy Conversion*

• Thermochemical Conversion Processes
• Technical School Renewable Energy Conversion

Advanced Process Engineering

• Biotechnological Conversion Processes
• Chemical Engineering
• Technical School Process Engineering
• Water Processing

Plant Safety and Control

• Safety Engineering
• Process Control Engineering

Non-Technical Competencies

• Intercultural Competences
• Managing Complexity
• German Culture and Society
• Tools to Manage Environmental Affairs
• Applying for a Job in Germany*
• German Language for Beginners*
• Topical Issues*

Semester 3 at UWM in Olsztyn or University of Applied Sciences depending on student’s choice

Master thesis

• Master’s Thesis with an oral presentation and Final Examination

* elective module

The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn (Poland) was included among 7.4% of best scientific institutions in CWUR ranking. The CWUR ranking is one of the most recognized lists of universities in the world, evaluating the quality of education, employment of graduates, quality of staff and results of scientific research. In 2025, the ranking included 2,000 of the best universities in the world among 20,855 institutions.

Graduates of the three‑semester, two diplomas programme (UWM in Olsztyn + University of Applied Sciences in Offenburg) will leave with a balanced portfolio of advanced knowledge, professional skills, and broader competences that meet the expectations of European Qualification Framework level 7 and the needs of a global, green economy.

After completing the degree, graduate will be able to:

Knowledge

• Explain and integrate core principles of process and chemical engineering (thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction & separation processes) when solving environmental challenges.
• Compare advanced technologies for pollution prevention, abatement and control in industrial and municipal systems.
• Critically assess the environmental and socio‑economic impacts of engineered processes using life‑cycle and risk‑assessment frameworks.
• Describe current research trends in sustainable energy, circular‑economy resource management and climate‑smart infrastructure.

Skills

• Design, model and optimise resource‑efficient process lines with professional process‑simulation and data‑analysis tools.
• Plan and carry out laboratory and pilot‑scale experiments; collect, analyse and interpret complex datasets to draw scientifically sound conclusions about environmental systems.
• Select and implement best‑available technologies for waste‑minimisation, energy recovery and emission reduction in real‑world industry case studies.
• Communicate technical concepts, designs and research results clearly in English to both specialist and non‑specialist audiences, using written, oral and visual formats.
• Work effectively in multicultural, interdisciplinary teams across the globe, demonstrating project‑management, negotiation and leadership abilities.

Social / Professional competences

• Act with professional integrity, recognising ethical, legal, health‑and‑safety and sustainability obligations of process‑engineering practice.
• Engage in lifelong learning and critical self‑assessment to keep pace with fast‑evolving environmental technologies and regulations.
• Navigate international professional environments with cultural sensitivity, benefiting from study experience in two EU countries and networks built during industry site visits and projects.
• Lead or contribute to sustainable innovation in industry, consultancy, public agencies or research institutes, and competently pursue further PhD studies if desired.

The Master of Science in Process Engineering and Environmental Protection is tailored for globally minded students who want to engineer cleaner, resource‑efficient processes and safeguard the environment.

The ideal candidate:

Has a solid engineering or science foundation
– with a Bachelor’s degree in chemical, process, environmental, mechanical, civil, materials engineering, or a closely related field.

Is motivated by sustainable‑development goals
– such as emission reduction, energy efficiency, circular‑economy resource use, water and wastewater management, and climate neutrality.

Enjoys both pilot‑plant work and digital process thinking
– combining hands‑on experiments and field sampling with simulation, optimisation, life‑cycle assessment, and data analysis.

Collaborates across disciplines and cultures
– ready to contribute in multicultural teams, communicate ideas clearly in English, and approach problems creatively and analytically.

Aims for an impactful career in industry, consultancy, or research
– in sectors like energy & utilities, waste‑to‑value, water treatment, green manufacturing, or advanced studies leading to a PhD.

Graduates of the Process Engineering and Environmental Protection specialisation are trained to meet the growing demand for experts who can design, implement and manage modern environmental technologies in both industrial and public sectors.

With two diplomas from UWM Olsztyn (Poland) and Offenburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany), MPE graduates are especially well-positioned for international careers.

Where can this degree take you?

Environmental engineering companies
– designing and optimising systems for air, water and soil protection

Process and chemical industries
– improving resource efficiency, emissions control, and industrial waste management

Municipal infrastructure and utilities
– implementing sustainable technologies for water supply, wastewater treatment, and waste management

Consulting and project management firms
– working on environmental impact assessments, audits, and policy implementation

Public administration and environmental agencies
– applying technical expertise to shape local or national environmental strategies

International organisations and NGOs
– contributing to global sustainability, clean technology, and infrastructure development initiatives

Research & development or PhD studies
– in environmental technology, process optimisation, or renewable energy systems

Graduate strengths

• Technical and practical competence in process and environmental engineering
• Hands-on experience in both Polish and German academic environments
• Exposure to real-world industry case studies and collaborative projects
• High employability in both EU and global job markets

This specialisation is ideal for students seeking a technically strong, internationally recognised degree that opens doors to engineering, innovation, and sustainable development careers around the world.

To receive details on our next session, simply send an email with the word “webinar” in the subject line to: ee2.info@uwm.edu.pl. You will receive all the information you need about the upcoming webinar, including how to participate.

1 | An inspiring lakeside campus

• Study in Kortowo, repeatedly called “the most beautiful campus in Poland”: 230 ha of lakes, forests and beaches, yet every faculty, dormitory and sports ground is within walking distance.

2 | High‑quality, research‑driven teaching

• 17 faculties, 65+ degree paths and cutting‑edge laboratories recognised in global subject rankings (GRAS, THE). UWM again appears in THE World University Ranking 2025 and in QS #1001‑1200.

3 | Truly European study experience

• Member of the new ChallengeEU European‑Universities alliance and an active Erasmus+ hub – choose from 500+ partner institutions for exchanges, internships or joint degrees (e.g. double MSc diplomas with Germany).

4 | Affordable tuition and cost of living

• Olsztyn’s living costs sit well below Poland’s big‑city averages; a student meal starts around 40 PLN and campus housing is budget‑friendly.

5 | Vibrant student life & support

• Legendary Kortowiada festival, 100+ clubs, modern library and psychological, disability and scholarship services that put student wellbeing first.

6 | Gateway to the green heart of Poland

• Classrooms overlook the Warmia–Masuria lake district; weekend kayaking, cycling or trips to Gdańsk and Warsaw (both ≈2 h) are on your doorstep.

7 | Career‑ready graduates

• Dedicated Career Office connects students with regional and EU employers, organises job fairs and CV‑building workshops.

Founded: 1999 Students: ≈16,000 International students: 3 % (and growing)

Learning Format

• In-person classes held in Poland and Germany
• Lectures, seminars, and practical workshops led by academic and industry professionals
• Real-life case studies and field visits
• Group projects, individual assignments, and lab-based work

Practical Focus

• Hands-on use of engineering software (process simulation)
• Access to environmental laboratories and pilot-scale facilities
• Applied problem-solving in industrial and municipal systems

Programme Duration

• 3 semesters (18 months total)
• 90 ECTS credits
• Intake: February each year

Language of Instruction

• The entire programme is delivered in English.